Application of cloud point extraction for the determination of pyrene in natural water.

Triton X-114 (Triton X-114) surfactant separates into two isotropic phases at room temperature and can be successfully used in cloud point extraction for the analysis of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). We studied which type of container is the most suitable for PAHs extraction with this method and how the water affects PAH recovery. We used a generator and mini-centrifuge with a cloud point method to determine pyrene levels in water in the field. An on-site thermostat can be used along with pouring hot water from a canteen into a plastic bucket to keep the temperature stable. Significant losses of pyrene due to adsorption onto the container wall can be minimized by storing water samples in glass containers. Variation in critical micelle concentration (cmc) can be avoided by bringing the water temperature to 40 degrees C for 5 minutes. These methods allowed pyrene to be determined in a remote tropical peat swamp area in Central Kalimantan, Indonesia.